Scale-up label created and start-up and incubator renewals tightened

Decree no. 25-311, dated 1 December 2025 and published in Journal officiel no. 81 of 7 December 2025, amends the executive decree no. 20-254 that created the national committee for labelling start-ups, innovative projects and incubators. The committee's name and remit now also cover 'Scale-up' companies, a new label for firms that have grown quickly and invest in research and development.

The decree sets out how the Scale-up label is granted. A company must be Algerian-registered, use an innovative product, service or business model, have grown its turnover by at least 20% over the last three years, and spend at least 3% of its revenue or capital on research and development. Applications go through the national start-up electronic portal, with documents such as the commercial register extract, the statutes, a three-minute video and any proof of international expansion. The committee has 30 days to reply, and a refusal must be reasoned and sent electronically; the applicant can ask for a review. Granted decisions are published on the portal.

The decree also sets renewal rules. The Start-up label, normally granted for four years, can be renewed once if the company keeps an innovative model, has at least 50% of its capital held by individuals, approved investment funds or other labelled firms, and shows strong growth potential. Incubators, granted for five years, must show the start-ups they have supported over the last five years. The decree applies from its publication.